Borderline

/ˈbɔːrdərlaɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a line or boundary that marks a limit

The river serves as the borderline between the two countries.

something that lacks a clear distinction or is ambiguous

There is often a borderline between genius and madness in the arts.

adjective

situated on or at the edge or boundary of something

His performance was borderline acceptable, just meeting the requirements.

having characteristics of two different categories or conditions

The patient was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, indicating symptoms that straddled several psychological conditions.

Derived from the combination of 'border' and 'line'.

borderline case

A situation that is on the edge of being classified in one way or another.

borderline personality disorder

A mental health disorder characterized by unstable moods, behavior, and relationships.

borderline acceptable

Just barely meeting the criteria or standards.

border

A boundary line separating two places.

line

A long, narrow mark or band.

marginal

At the lower limit of qualification.

Close to being out of control or excessive.

Her spending habits are borderline insane.

Just about acceptable but not quite.

That outfit is borderline inappropriate for the occasion.